GenevieveByrne

Genevieve Byrne 1926 - 2013 SPRINGFIELD Genevieve (Dias) Byrne, 86, passed away August 29, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center surrounded by her family. Born in Springfield to the late Frank and Matilda (Sousa) Dias, she was a lifelong area resident. Genevieve's greatest passion in life was raising her family and was a dedicated and loving mother and grandmother. At 17, she met her future husband and true love, Neal R. Byrne, Sr. with whom she shared 64 wonderful years of marriage until his passing on March 5, 2013. After raising her family, she got her GED in her 50's and returned to college. She was an extremely hard worker, obtaining her hairdresser's license, 18-wheeler truck driver's license, worked as a banquet waitress, and at age 70, started her own cleaning business. Genevieve had a love for life that she shared with others, having fun and meeting new friends wherever she went. A talented musician and artist, she played piano by ear and created art portraits. She leaves six beloved children: Neal R. Byrne, Jr. and his wife Valerie of Holland, MA, David Byrne and his wife Roberta of Springfield, Kevin Byrne and his wife Michele of Monson, Frank Byrne and his wife Peggy of Brooksville, FL, Mark Byrne and his wife Janet of Springfield and Genevieve Szulc and her husband Anthony of Feeding Hills; a brother, Rudolph Dias of Wilbraham, and 42 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, September 2, 2013 at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services with a calling hour from 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. Private committal will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield MA 01104. For full details please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.